Vision Options with Cataract Surgery

With new advancements in preoperative testing, surgical techniques and IOL technology, you have some amazing options. Since every patient is different, we want to make sure that you are making the most informed decisions possible regarding your vision. There are standard options and Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery™ options. Medicare and most private insurance companies provide coverage for Standard Cataract Surgery: Standard diagnostic testing + Cataract surgery + 90 days of postoperative care. That’s great news! If you decide to have any type of Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery™, then the Standard Cataract Surgery portion (which is a majority of the cost) is a covered procedure.

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PRE-Lens HD™Option

Preoperative Refractive Evaluation (PRE) plus High Definition IOL

This option includes the PRE (not covered by insurance) and a High Definition Single Focus IOL (these IOLs are covered by insurance). A variety of HD Single Focus IOL models are available: SoftPort AO®, Tecnis® and AcrySof® to name a few. These particular IOL models have been selected because of their proven track record, HD optics and safety. Each of these IOLs have unique optical properties. The results of your PRE™ will be used to custom select which model and power HD Single Focus IOL is best suited for you. The goal is to give you the best vision (with or without glasses) in the safest manner.

What’s the difference between Standard Cataract Surgery and the PRE-Lens HD™ Option?

Standard Cataract Surgery option has a lower cost and less testing compared to the PRE-Lens HD Option. An economical IOL is implanted during standard cataract surgery. Standard cataract surgery is a safe and effective option for patients who do not want to spend more than what the Affordable Care Act provides. Standard Cataract Surgery includes basic preoperative testing (covered by insurance) and a standard IOL (covered by insurance). The Standard IOL is designed to be a clear replacement lens and will typically require glasses full-time to help restore eyesight, although patients will occasionally achieve better distance vision without glasses.

Dr. McGarity understands that cost is important and he has encouraged his staff to work with all patients to set up affordable payment options. Dr. McGarity wants patients of all ages and backgrounds to achieve the best vision for life.

Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery™

All ATCS™ options include the Preoperative Refractive Evaluation(PRE) and the Extended Postoperative Period (days 91-365). This extended period goes 9 months beyond the Medicare and commercial insurance period of 90 days. Any care related to the ATCS™ is at no additional charge during the extended postoperative period.

ATCS™ options include:

Tecnis® Multifocal IOLs and Tecnis ® Symfony IOLs

How Multifocal IOLs Work

The Tecnis® multifocal IOL simultaneously corrects distance, intermediate distance, and near vision. These types of IOLs have multiple focal points for your eye. We now have an expanded range of multifocal IOLs to address each patient’s unique lifestyle.

How Symfony IOLs Work

Tecnis® Symfony IOLs provide an extended range of vision from far to intermediate ranges. These IOLs also provide some near vision, though you will probably need dollar store readers for the small stuff. The Tecnis® Symfony Toric IOLs also correct astigmatism.

Why do I need this? Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the loss of near focusing ability associated with the aging eye. People who are nearsighted may still be able to see at near without glasses, but when they wear their glasses or contacts (in both eyes) they will need either a bifocal or reading glasses to see near objects. Those who are farsighted need glasses for distance and then bifocals or reading glasses for close objects. Are you “chained” to your readers or bifocals?

Considering a Tecnis® Multifocal or Symfony IOL

These advanced IOLs are designed to replace the cataractous lens of your eye and simultaneously relieve the symptoms of presbyopia which all patients would otherwise experience with a monofocal IOL focused for distance. The goal is to provide you with good distance, intermediate and some near vision without needing to wear glasses or contacts most of the time. Good candidates for these IOLs have an “easy-going”, positive personality and healthy eyes. Side effects are rare, but include decreased reading vision in dim light (improved with good light) and little rings or streaks around lights at night (this typically improves by 6 months).

Astigmatism Correction

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a defect in the optical system of the eye. Typically it is related to the curvature of the cornea (the clear front window to the eye). If the curvature of the cornea is affected by astigmatism, then the vision passing through the astigmatic cornea will be blurred. Fortunately, the toric IOL optically corrects most corneal astigmatism. With the astigmatism corrected, you should see so much better.

How the Toric IOL works

The Tecnis® Toric IOLs have astigmatism correcting properties. Furthermore, they contain aspheric optics. These two properties combine to provide you with the best vision possible even if you need glasses after cataract surgery. During the cataract surgery, the Dr. McGarity rotates, aligns and secures the toric IOL with the steep axis of the astigmatic cornea. The toric IOL may also be used to achieve Blended Vision (see below).

Limbal Relaxing Incisions

If you have a lower amount of astigmatism, you may not be a candidate for a toric IOL. In this case, a Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI or “relaxing incision”) will be performed. Even smaller amounts of astigmatism will interfere with the optics after cataract surgery. The LRI will be performed near the edge of the cornea (Limbus) along the steep corneal axis to relieve (relax) the astigmatism. This procedure works well for lower amounts of astigmatism and would be combined with a HD Single Focus IOL or a Multifocal IOL.

Blended Vision

How it Works

With blended vision (monovision), you have an IOL implanted in one eye to correct your distance vision and an IOL in your other eye to correct your intermediate near vision. The IOL for distance vision is usually implanted on your dominant eye. The eye that sees well for distance vision will be slightly blurred up close and the eye that sees well for nearer objects will be slightly blurred when looking at distant objects. With both eyes open, typically the result is acceptably clear and comfortable vision at most distances. Therefore, the term “monovision” is somewhat misleading. The two eyes still work together (Blended) as a team to see clearly at most distances, except one eye is clearer than the other. The “stronger eye” will depend on whether you are looking at something far away or closer to you. Most people adjust very well and eventually don’t even notice which eye is their “distance eye” and which is their “nearer eye.”